Health Info

Giving Ibuprofen to Your Child

The doctor has recommended a medication called ibuprofen for your child. Be sure that you read and understand the information below before giving your child this medication.

What Is This Medication For?

Ibuprofen is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.

How Much Medication Do I Give?

The amount of medication you give your child will depend on weight or age. Below are suggested dosages. Make sure to check the amount of medication in the liquid or tablet before giving the dose.
Follow the instructions on the actual medication label for the latest dosage information.
Some brands may come in different concentrations, so make sure you read the label closely. Talk to the doctor if you are unsure of how much medication to give your child.

Age

Weight

Total Dose You Need to Give Your Child
If using
infant drops
(50 mg/1.25 ml), you will need to give your child…
If using
liquid medication
(100 mg/5 ml), you will need to give your child…
If using
Junior tablets
(100 mg per pill), you will need to give your child…

6-11 months

12-17 pounds (5-8 kg)

50 mg

1.25 ml

n/a

n/a

12-23 months

18-23 pounds (8-10 kg)

75 mg

1.875 ml

n/a

n/a

2-3 years

24-35 pounds (11-16 kg)

100 mg

n/a

5 ml (1 teaspoon)

1 tablet

4-5 years

36-47 pounds (16-21 kg)

150 mg

n/a

7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons)

1.5 tablets

6-8 years

48-59 pounds (22-27 kg)

200 mg

n/a

10 ml (2 teaspoons)

2 tablets

9-10 years

60-71 pounds (27-32 kg)

250 mg

n/a

12.5 ml (2.5 teaspoons)

2.5 tablets

11 years

72-95 pounds (33-43 kg)

300 mg

n/a

15 ml (3 teaspoons)

3 tablets

kg=kilogram; mg=milligram; ml=milliliter

Dose may be given every 6-8 hours.
Do not give more than four doses within 24 hours.

For children less than 6 months old:
Ask the doctor for dosing instructions.

For children 12 years old or older:
Give 200 mg every 4-6 hours. If needed, you can increase the dose to 400 mg every 4-6 hours.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.